Nobody said that being a trailblazer was easy. By nature, the role already speaks of hard work. Ploughing, forging and cutting a path all take energy, resilience and faith.

At the same time, being called to be a trailblazer can be deeply fulfilling, exciting and rewarding. It is truly two sides of the same coin.

So how do you sustain your vision and purpose when the mission itself is already destined to be challenging?

Let’s explore.

STRONG ROOTS

If you are called to be a trailblazer, the first thing you need is strong roots. Roots in God and in your faith, but also deep roots in your identity.

Your identity will be challenged. Not only by your own doubts in the place of contending, but also by external forces, including the enemy. This is why it is important to know who you are and what God has called you to be.

Keep notes and dates of significant conversations, prophetic words and Bible verses that speak into your calling. You will need them when the journey becomes heavy, and when you need to remind yourself that God truly appointed you for this.

ARMOUR BEARERS

You will also need people around you who understand and recognise your gifting and calling.

It is not wise to be a trailblazer on your own. Winds will come. Storms will threaten. Alongside your personal prayer life and access to God’s Word, you will need encouragers and armour bearers.

Do not underestimate their value. There is wisdom, encouragement, alignment, validation and prayerful agreement in having the right people around you.

Seek out those who will help anchor you in the storm.

PRAYER STRATEGY

Sometimes the battle and constant contending can become too heavy. Human effort can begin to feel ineffective, frustrating and tiring.

Here is the key: trailblazing in God’s appointment requires partnership with the One who calls. Partnership, relationship and trust.

When the way ahead feels impossible and full of snares, He is the One who makes a way. He wants our reliance to be in Him, our strength to come through Him, and our daily walk to remain with Him.

God is the way-maker and the fixer. Through prayer and close dialogue with Him, we make sure the Mover of Mountains is in our story, both in the spirit realm and in the physical realm.

It is easy to overlook prayer when things are flowing, but we need a strong prayer life to break through adversity and walls of opposition when things are not moving.

Human effort can only take us so far. Prayer is the key to navigating trials.